...By Gift BADEWO for TDPel Media.
Former Soldier Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Murdering Daughter’s Partner
A former soldier, Daniel Langman, has been handed a life sentence for strangling Anthony Collins, his daughter’s partner, at his flat in Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire.
Langman, 48, confessed to his mother, stating that he had done “something stupid” after finding his home in disarray that night.
He was found guilty of murder and has been ordered to serve a minimum of 17-and-a-half years in prison.
The judge emphasized the profound impact of Collins’s death on his family and clarified that Langman would not be automatically released at the end of his sentence, with the Parole Board determining his future.
Strained Relationship and Fatal Encounter
During the trial, it was revealed that Langman harbored a dislike for Anthony Collins, considering him a negative influence on his daughter, Chloe.
While Langman admitted to barring Collins from his flat, he maintained that he meant no harm.
On the night of the incident, Langman returned home to find his flat in a state of disarray.
He encountered Collins and claimed to have been struck by him. Langman then resorted to assaulting Collins with his guitar, punching him multiple times.
Langman’s recollection became hazy thereafter, but he remembered his former co-accused, Anthony McGovern, screaming at him.
Langman eventually realized that he was strangling Mr. Collins.
Violent Acts and Intent
Prosecutors asserted that Mr. Collins was choked with a cable and subjected to further assaults with an iron, metal poles, a plastic tube, and a screwdriver.
Langman, however, maintained that he did not intend to kill Collins.
Throughout the trial, Langman’s mother, Jennifer Goodwin, testified that he had contacted her after the incident, expressing regret and distress over his actions.
Langman disclosed that he had engaged in a fight with an intruder in his flat, acknowledging that things had escalated beyond his intentions.
Legal Proceedings and Co-Accused Outcome
Langman had a history of prior convictions related to violence and weapons.
Donald Findlay, KC, Langman’s defense lawyer, acknowledged that his client had lost control and acted far more severely than he had anticipated.
During the trial, Anthony McGovern, Langman’s former co-accused, faced charges of murder as well, but the charge was ultimately found not proven.
